...More precipitation expected for the Pacific Northwest and West Coast this weekend...

The strong surface low that led to a widespread winter storm from the Rockies to the central Plains over the past couple of days, will continue its track northeastward across southern Canada this afternoon and evening. The main concern is now heavy rain and the potential for strong thunderstorms along and east of the Appalachians, ahead of the cold front. The greatest concern for any run-off or flooding problems is from northern Pennsylvania to northern New England. A few severe storms are possible for portions of the Mid Atlantic region on Saturday. This front will bring a return to more seasonal temperatures by February standards for a few days.

Light to moderate rain and snow has returned to the California coast as a weak disturbance traverses southward along the coast, but should be weakening. Scattered snow showers will also occur in the central and northern Rockies through much of the weekend with mainly light amounts expected. Another stronger low pressure system is poised to impact the Pacific Northwest by Sunday, bringing yet another round of moderate rain and mountain snow to the region.

The Desert Southwest and the southern Plains should remain sunny to partly cloudy through Saturday. By Sunday afternoon, return flow from the Gulf of Mexico will advect enough moisture northward to generate scattered showers and storms from eastern Texas to the Deep South.

LOCAL OVERVIEW

A cold front will move off the Carolina coast late today as cool high pressure builds into our region from the west. Temperatures cool to near normal tonight through Sunday night, then warm up again during the first half of the week. A warm front lifts north through the area around midweek as a cold front approaches from the west bringing showers and storms.

LOCAL NEWS: FIRE ON ONION MOUNTAIN

At 2:38 am, Franklin Fire Department was dispatched to a report of a loose fire on Onion Mountain Road. The fire was soon determined to be in the Cullasaja Gorge Fire District and they were called out. NC Forest Service and US Forest Service personnel and assets were also called out to the fire, which was reported to be 2 to 3 acres upon the arrival of firefighters. A burned out vehicle was discovered and suspected to be the origin of the fire. The Fire Marshall and law enforcement were called to the scene. Savannah and Mountain Valley Fire Departments were also called to assist with fighting the fire.

As of 4:13 am, firefighters had completed a fireline on the left flank of the fire. It sounds like they've made a good catch on this fire in tough conditions.

Patchy fog early, decreasing clouds with highs near 60. Winds will be out of the northwest 5 to 15, gusting to 25 mph. A high wind field is expected to move through between 11 am and 6 pm. 80% chance of rain with less than a tenth of an inch expected, with higher amounts in locations that see thunderstorms.

Saturday Night

Mostly clear with lows near the mid 20s and winds out of the northwest 5 to 10 mph.

Sunday

Sunny with highs near the mid 50s and variable light winds.

Sunday Night

Partly cloudy with lows near freezing and calm winds.

Monday

Mostly cloudy with highs near the mid 50s. 60% chance of rain, expected to be mainly after 10 am.

Monday Night

Mostly cloudy with lows near the mid 40s. 60% chance of rain, mainly before 8 pm.

HAZARDS

High winds are expected today. Despite recent rain, Macon Media recommends you put off burning debris or brush piles due to high winds.

As always, you can check to see what advisories, watches and warnings are in effect for Macon County by visiting http://is.gd/MACONWARN

MACON CALENDAR

If you have an event you wish to be added to this calendar, please send the information, along with a flyer or photo, to editor@maconmedia.com
There is no charge for civic, educational or non profit groups.

MARDI GRAS DINNER TO BENEFIT REACH OF MACON COUNTY

A Mardi Gras Dinner to benefit REACH of Macon County will be held at Root + Barrel Kitchen on Main Street on Tuesday, February 28th at 6:30 pm.
Reserved tickets are $75 and open seating is $60.
More information is on the flyer posted here.

Be the Voice for a Child! Don’t let another child’s voice go unheard. The Guardian Ad Litem program is currently seeking volunteers in your community to be the voice of a foster child in court. The North Carolina Guardian ad Litem Program thrives on volunteerism, and its vital work is only made possible by dedicated volunteers who are committed to the cause of keeping children safe from future harm. We will have a training class for volunteers in Sylva starting March 16, 2017. We would love to have you join us. It's not too late to apply!
If you have an interest in becoming the voice for a child, contact Joe Allen at the Macon County GAL office at 828-349-7222 or Shannon Cowan at the Jackson County GAL Office at 828-587-2087. You can also find out more about the program by visiting www.ncgal.org or www.facebook.com/ncGuardianAdLitem

Weather Extremes Almanac for February 25, 2017

North Carolina

High Temperature 85ºF in Belhaven, Beaufort County in 1930
Low Temperature -19ºF on Grandfather Mountain, Avery County in 1967
Greatest One-Day Rainfall 6.80 inches in Murphy, Cherokee County in 1875
Greatest One-Day Snowfall 14.0 inches in Marion, McDowell County in 1894

Heavens Above has an Android App that will assist you in observing the sky and even has a satellite tracker that will let you know when the International Space Station and dozens of other satellites are overhead. [LINK]

Stellarium is also an app that will assist you in observing the sky. It is available in both Android [LINK] and iOS versions. [LINK]

CROWD FUNDING OR DAY SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you receive value from what Macon Media provides to the community, please consider becoming a supporter and contribute at least a dollar a month.

If you have a business or event you are interested in sponsorship opportunities or underwriting coverage, send an email to editor@MaconMedia.com for more information. Serious inquiries only.

Thank You to the people who have been sending in donations and those businesses who are underwriting coverage of news and events. You have kept Macon Media online.

You have made it possible for Macon Media to begin purchasing state of the art equipment and begin work on building a real website with features not employed by any local news outlets.

Data and information sources: Sources (except where otherwise credited): heavens-above.com, National Centers for Environmental Prediction, The National Weather Service, National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration, Penn State University Electronic Wall Map, The State Climate Office of North Carolina, Storm Prediction Center, U.S. Naval Observatory, and the Weather Prediction Center.

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